I tried McDonald’s ‘weirdest’ McFlurry yet that ‘tastes like Calpol’

McDonald’s has launched its ‘weirdest menu yet’, and it includes a brand new McFlurry flavour that’s causing quite the stir online. 

Alongside the return of fan favourites like The Big Tasty, Chicken Big Max and Spicy Chicken Nuggets, the fast food giant has introduced a controversial new dessert: the Jaffa Cakes McFlurry.

And no, we’re not talking about the cake vs biscuit debate.

The £2.49 treat dropped on July 30 and has already divided social media users. Some customers have called it ‘incredible’ and say it’s McDonald’s most ‘exciting new product’. 

Others, however, compare the flavour to kids’ medicine, with one review claiming it ‘tastes like Calpol’. Which could, arguably, be a positive or a negative.

So, with no clear verdict out there, I had to try it myself. 

‘I’ll stick to Smarties McFlurry next time’

If you’re someone who actively seeks out Jaffa Cakes in the supermarket, the new dessert is probably going to be up your street. 

It’s a mixture of rich orange syrup with the classic vanilla biscuit base, covered with chocolate-covered shortcake pieces. 

But as someone who doesn’t go out of their way to buy Jaffa Cakes, I found it a bit sickly. 

Unfortunately, I have to agree with the Calpol comparison – and I don’t remember the sickly sweet medicine fondly. It’s slightly overwhelming and a bit too artificial. 

That said, I do think it would have been better with actual chunks of Jaffa Cakes on top. Using shortbread biscuits seems a bit rogue, especially considering the aforementioned historical debate about whether Jaffa Cakes are biscuits or cakes. (They’re cakes, by the way).

Either way, I won’t be ordering it again. I’ll stick to a classic Smarties McFlurry next time.

A twist on a fizzy drink classic

As part of its menu shake-up, McDonald’s has also introduced fruity syrups to customise a standard Sprite Zero. These syrups are already available in US branches, but it’s a first for the UK. 

Customers can now add a pump of Apple or Mango & Passionfruit syrup to their drink. 

I tried the Apple-flavoured Sprite. The bright green beverage is a mixture of Sprite Zero and sugar-free Apple flavoured syrup, costing £2.19 for a medium size. 

It tasted exactly like Apple Sourz, just without the alcohol – and I was instantly reminded of chaotic nights out at 18. 

I wouldn’t rush to buy it again, but overall, I enjoyed it. I’d also be open to trying McDonald’s other syrup flavours.

Still, it’s fun to see McDonald’s trying something new, even if the results are hit-and-miss.

What else is on the McDonald’s menu?

This August, The Big Tasty and Big Tasty With Bacon, which are rarely featured on the menu, are returning. 

There’s a catch, though. The Big Tasty range is only available as a regional exclusive in East Anglia. Similarly, those in Tyne & Tees are getting treated to the Steakhouse Stack. 

Elsewhere in the UK, the Chicken Big Mac is making its return. It features two patties, a slice of cheese, pickles, lettuce and Big Mac sauce. 

But the whole of the UK will be able to enjoy a bunch of other returning fan-favourites, including Spicy Chicken McNuggets served with a Spicy Chilli Dip, the Fajita Chicken One, (a wrap made with creamy fajita sauce, tomato salsa, onions, cheese and lettuce with either crispy or grilled chicken), Chilli Cheese Bites and the Milky Way McFlurry with milk chocolate stars, malt flavoured pieces and a chocolate sauce. 

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